When winter weather rears its icy head, motorists face an increasing number of hazards on the road. From impaired visibility to black ice, obstacles can be dangerous and potentially deadly. Although safe driving practices are encouraged throughout the year, during the winter months, focus, planning, and prevention are all the more essential. Below, the car insurance agents at K.L. Smith Agency LLC in Willimantic, CT, offer five seasonal safety tips to help you avoid an accident.

Car Insurance Experts List 5 Winter Driving Safety Tips

Service Your Vehicle

While inconvenient, breaking down in the spring is often a quick and easy fix. Breaking down in the winter is a different story altogether. Contact your local mechanic as soon as temperatures begin to drop and schedule a full tuneup to ensure everything is in solid working order.

Prep Your Ride

Stock your vehicle with winter driving supplies, including snow salt, a snow shovel, road reflectors, and an ice scraper. Take a good look at your tires to determine whether they should be replaced, and consider purchasing snow tires if you have not done so already. Invest in a new set of windshield wipers and get in the habit of keeping your gas tank half-full. That way, should you ever get stranded, you can keep the engine running to stay warm.

Avoid Icy Roads

The best way to avoid slipping and sliding on icy roads is to avoid them altogether. Check your local weather conditions before you depart, and keep an eye out for alternate routes.

Be Cautious When Braking

Braking on icy roads can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and slide around. When driving in winter weather conditions, pay attention to your speed as well as the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you do lose control of the vehicle, reduce your speed and turn the wheels in the direction the rear of your vehicle is moving to steady your path forward.

Prepare for Being Stranded or Stuck

If you become stranded, keep your car as far off the roadway as possible. Once the vehicle is out of harm’s way, turn on your hazard lights, call for help, and wait inside the vehicle, keeping a window cracked to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Unfortunately, no amount of preparation or focus can guarantee your safety. For added protection and peace of mind this winter, contact an experienced car insurance agent from K.L. Smith Agency. Family-owned and -operated since 1956, they offer a full range of products, from car and business insurance to homeowners, renters, and commercial liability insurance. Visit the agency online or call (860) 423-9294 for your free quote.